During a recent media briefing at Cobham, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of Chelsea, gave an update on the team’s injuries, including those of Reece James and Levi Colwill, as well as the availability of Cole Palmer for the upcoming match against Aston Villa.
Pochettino confirmed that James and Colwill are still unavailable for selection, but they are making progress in their recovery. He expressed confidence in Palmer’s readiness for the game and emphasised the player’s importance to the team, acknowledging the impact of his absence in recent matches.
Addressing concerns about the team’s character and lack of belief, Pochettino defended the players and highlighted the challenging circumstances they have faced, including a quick turnaround from previous matches and injuries to key individuals. He expressed the need for a more resilient and disciplined performance from the team in the upcoming game.
Reflecting on the recent performance against Arsenal, Pochettino acknowledged the team’s inconsistency and the difficulty in managing the situation on the pitch. He emphasised the need for a positive and strong mindset to overcome the challenges they are currently facing.
Regarding the team’s leadership, Pochettino reiterated that the absence of experienced players or leaders on the pitch can contribute to difficult results, especially in the demanding Premier League.
When asked about the upcoming match against Aston Villa, Pochettino highlighted the need for a competitive and resilient performance from the team. He expressed a desire to see the same level of determination and application displayed in previous games against strong opponents.
Pochettino also praised his counterpart, Unai Emery, as a top manager and credited his coaching abilities. He acknowledged the challenges the team is currently facing but maintained a positive outlook and stressed the importance of working together to overcome them.
Addressing the players’ motivation and their future at the club, Pochettino highlighted the collective responsibility to improve and demonstrate their value for the team. He expressed confidence in the players’ abilities and urged them to remain focused and determined in the remaining six games of the season.
Finally, Pochettino provided updates on the injuries to Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka, expressing hope for their swift recovery and availability for future games.
In conclusion, Pochettino emphasised the need for a strong and positive mindset within the team, highlighting the challenges they are currently facing and the importance of unity and determination in overcoming them.